Before the cold noses and chilly nights arrive, it’s time to give your furnace—and your plumbing—a little seasonal attention. Albuquerque winters may not last long, but those sudden cold snaps can test every system in your home. At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve been helping local families stay warm and worry-free since 1971. With a few smart steps (and maybe a professional paw-print of approval from our Care Club team), you can head into winter knowing your home is ready for anything.
What Your Furnace and Plumbing Really Need for Winter in Albuquerque
After more than 50 years working in Albuquerque homes, we’ve seen how this climate keeps every system in the house on its toes. The high desert looks peaceful, but it’s tough on equipment; dry air, fine dust, and big temperature swings put extra stress on furnaces, water heaters, and plumbing lines.
When those first January cold fronts roll through, nighttime temps can dip below freezing fast. That’s when older furnaces that have been sitting idle all year tend to act up, and exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces are the first to freeze.
In neighborhoods like Rio Rancho and Corrales, we often find long duct runs through attics that get scorched in the summer and chilled to the bone in the winter—conditions that wear down insulation and duct joints faster than most homeowners expect. Over in the foothills and NE Heights, many homes still have older plumbing and gas lines that need extra attention each year.
It’s a unique mix—altitude, dryness, and aging infrastructure—and it’s exactly why we always recommend homeowners prep both their furnace and plumbing before winter hits. Because in Albuquerque, when one system struggles, the other isn’t far behind.
Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter—The Right Way
Your furnace has been resting since spring, quietly collecting dust while the air conditioner took center stage. Before you flip the switch to “heat,” spend a few minutes giving it a friendly checkup.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
This one’s easy, but it makes the biggest difference. Albuquerque’s dust and pollen clog filters fast, forcing your furnace to work harder. A clean filter keeps air moving freely and helps your system run efficiently all season long.
2. Clear the Area Around the Furnace
Remove storage boxes, cleaning supplies, and anything stacked near the unit. Furnaces need breathing room for proper airflow and safety. Think of it as giving your system a little space to stretch before the big game.
3. Test Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to “heat” and raise the temperature a few degrees. The furnace should kick on within a minute or two. If nothing happens – or the air feels cool – check the batteries and settings before calling for service.
4. Listen for Strange Noises
A gentle hum is normal; banging, rattling, or squealing isn’t. Odd sounds can signal worn belts, loose parts, or blower issues that should be inspected before they become bigger problems.
5. Check Vents and Ductwork
Walk through your home and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed. Vacuum away visible dust, and if you notice weak airflow in certain rooms, it could mean a disconnected duct or leak in your attic system.
6. Inspect Safety Devices
Test your carbon monoxide detector and replace batteries if needed. If your furnace hasn’t been serviced in a while, a technician should inspect the heat exchanger and gas connections for leaks or corrosion.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A seasonal tune-up is like a vet visit for your furnace. Our technicians check ignition systems, burners, gas pressure, and airflow to ensure everything runs smoothly. Regular service keeps your furnace loyal, efficient, and ready to perform when the temperature dips.
Keep the Water Flowing: Plumbing Tips for Cold Albuquerque Nights
While your furnace keeps the inside warm, your plumbing quietly faces its own challenges. Cold, dry air can shrink seals, thicken sediment, and increase the risk of freeze damage in exposed lines. Here’s how to help your pipes stay dependable through winter.
1. Drain and Protect Outdoor Faucets
Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots. Even a brief overnight freeze can crack fittings and cause hidden leaks once the weather warms.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes running through garages, exterior walls, or crawl spaces lose heat fast. A little insulation, or heat tape in unheated areas, goes a long way toward preventing burst pipes.
3. Keep Drains Hydrated
In Albuquerque’s dry climate, water in unused drains can evaporate, allowing sewer gas to sneak indoors. Once a week, run hot water through little-used sinks or showers to refill the P-traps.
4. Check for Slow or Clogged Drains
Winter gatherings and holiday cooking often strain kitchen and bathroom drains. If you notice sluggish water flow, schedule a drain cleaning before it turns into a full backup.
5. Flush Your Water Heater
Hard water in the metro area leaves behind mineral sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan. Draining a few gallons from the tank each fall helps clear buildup and keep hot water flowing strong.
6. Watch for Leaks
Inspect under sinks and around toilets. Even tiny drips can waste water and worsen as pipes contract in the cold. Catching them early means easier fixes later.
DIY or Call B. Carlson? How to Know When It’s Time for a Pro
You can handle most visual checks, filters, thermostat testing, outdoor faucets, on your own. But for deeper inspections, gas components, or full drain cleanings, it’s safest to call a licensed professional.
Our technicians handle both HVAC and plumbing, so you can schedule one combined visit to prepare your entire home for winter. We’ll make sure your furnace, water heater, and drains all get the attention they need—without you juggling multiple appointments.
Join the Care Club—Your Home’s Best Friend All Year Long
Think of our Care Club as routine checkups for your home’s most loyal systems. Members enjoy:
- Seasonal tune-ups for heating and cooling
- Plumbing inspections to catch leaks early
- Priority scheduling and reduced diagnostic fees
- Exclusive savings on repairs and replacements
Joining means you don’t have to remember when to schedule service – we’ll remind you. And when that first cold snap hits, you’ll already be covered. No scrambling for a last-minute appointment, no surprise breakdowns, and no midnight worries about frozen pipes.
It’s a little like having a trusted friend who always remembers to walk the dog – steady, reliable, and right on time.
Warm Homes, Loyal Service—Trusted in Albuquerque Since 1971
For more than 50 years, B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has been a part of the Albuquerque community, helping families keep their homes running smoothly through every season. From vintage Nob Hill furnaces that just need a little TLC to modern Rio Rancho homes facing hard-water buildup, we’ve seen, and solved, it all.
Our promise is simple: expert service, clear communication, and genuine care. Every technician on our team treats your home as if it were their own. Whether you’re calling for a quick furnace tune-up or a drain inspection, you’ll get honesty, skill, and respect—no upsells, no runaround, just dependable help when you need it.
A little preparation now saves you from bigger headaches later. Replacing a filter, checking your drains, or joining our Care Club are small steps that make a big difference once winter arrives.
So when you’re ready for expert help, or just want a friendly check-in from your home’s best friend in HVAC and plumbing, schedule your winter tune-up today. We’ll make sure your furnace stays loyal, your pipes stay strong, and your home stays cozy (and wag-worthy) all winter long.
